CBI outlines next stage of apprenticeship reform

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has published a report outlining the next steps that must be taken in order to successfully reform the UK's apprenticeship system.

The report suggests that the government should give the Institute for Apprenticeships (IfA), the principal body for vocational skills in England, the 'independence and clout it needs' in order to reform the UK's apprenticeship system.

According to the CBI, the IfA must 'speed up the apprenticeship standards approval process' so that businesses can start using them, and outline how T-levels and higher T-levels will fit in the skills system.

The business group has also called for the government to give employers 'longer to spend their money where apprenticeship standards remain in development'.

John Cope, Head of Education and Skills Policy at the CBI, commented: 'This business-backed blueprint needs to be taken seriously to make sure the English skills system supports, rather than frustrates, employers, offering a first step to people in their career.

'This must include giving the IfA the independence and clout it needs to create a world-class skills system in England.'